Everyone knows healthy eating while living on campus can be a treacherous feat for many to conquer. Food from the dining hall isn’t always delicious and your take out bills can quickly add up if you don’t watch yourself. On top of all of that, finding easy, healthy and quick meals are hard to come by, until now! Here are some quick and delectable ideas that you can whip up in between classes and homework in the comfort of your own dorm!
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Stock up on whole oats, as they are better for you than prepackaged single oatmeal packets that can be filled with tons of added sugar. Throw in any of your favorite fruits like blue berries, bananas, and even some nuts like almonds.
Yogurt Parfait
If you are in a hurry and don’t have time to cook anything, go for the yogurt. You can always add a great flavored granola (chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla, etc) along with some fresh fruit for a delicious morning treat.
Egg White Bagel Sandwich
This one may take a little more time, but not enough that you’ll have to worry about missing class. Prepare some egg whites in a bowl in the microwave and add your favorite toppings. Things like spinach, avocado and tomatoes are great add-ons and taste great on any bagel of your choosing. If you don’t want to use a bagel, you can try one of the many “bread thins” options out there. Sprinkle some salt and pepper and off you go!
Lunch
Veggie Quesadilla
Use a whole wheat wrap, some cheddar cheese and your choice of veggies. Some that work great for quesadillas are spinach, tomatoes, onions and even some cilantro if you want to get fancy!
Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich
A quicker option, aside from our childhood favorite Peanut Butter and Jelly, is a Peanut Butter & Banana sandwhich! Throw it on your favorite whole grain or whole wheat bread and walk right out the door.
Southwest Quinoa Bowl
Start by cooking some Quinoa in the Microwave (or stove if you have access). Then, add some vegetable or chicken broth for some added flavor and make sure you have a can of corn and a can of beans ready to be heated up next. Mix the ingredients together and reheat if anything has gotten cold. Feel free to add anything from avocado and cheddar cheese to fresh tomatoes and cilantro to give it more of an authentic kick.
Buff Chicken Wrap
This is a favorite of my roommates! Instead of trying to keep raw chicken in the fridge, buy some cold cuts from your local grocery store. Pick up some Buffalo Chicken, your favorite cheese, some lettuce and tomato (Feel free to add your own hot sauce and blue cheese!) Pile it all in a whole wheat wrap and enjoy! Heat it up or eat it cold, either way it’ll be delicious.
Dinner
Veggie “Not Fried” Rice
Instead of frying the rice, use a brown rice microwavable packet! Heat up some peas, carrots and onions and off you go. This is a much cheaper and healthier alternative to your regular Chinese take-out order.
Thin Crust Pizza
Use a whole wheat tortilla, mozzarella cheese and fresh tomato. Heat until golden and voila, a thin crust pie! Extra toppings can make it even better so try adding some olives, peppers, onions or any of your other favorite toppings.
Loaded Baked Potato
Microwave the potato first (do not forget to stick holes in it, otherwise it could blow!) Then, if you prefer cheese, add some and let it melt. Then top it with some low fat sour cream and chives! Yum!
We hope this ideas inspire you to get creative and healthy with your meals! If you try any of these idea, let us know what you think in the comments below!